tbanning@freemanjournal.net

WEBSTER CITY — Both Daily Freeman-Journal area football teams are ranked by the Associated Press for the first time this season.

In the latest poll that was released yesterday afternoon, Webster City jumped up one spot to No. 9 in the Class 3A rankings and South Hamilton entered the 1A top 10 for the first time at No. 10.

WCHS (7-1) has been ranked in all but one of the polls this fall, that coming after its 20-0 loss to second-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes in Week 6. The Lynx will head to Boone on Friday where a victory over the Toreadors would guarantee them a 10th consecutive trip to the playoffs. However, a loss to the Toreadors would potentially end their season.

South Hamilton (7-1) has been one of the pleasant surprises this fall. The Hawks currently find themselves in control of their own destiny where the playoffs are concerned. A victory over Eagle Grove on Friday would send them to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

In 3A, Solon remained the No. 1-ranked team, just one point in front of DC-G. Cedar Rapids Xavier remained at No. 3, Sergeant Bluff-Luton jumped one spot to No. 4 and Pella dropped a notch to No. 5. The remainder of the top 10 includes Harlan at No. 6, Waverly-Shell Rock at No. 7, Glenwood at No. 8 and Carlisle at No. 10.

Van Meter, the lone team to beat South Hamilton this season, stayed at No. 2 in the 1A poll right behind top-ranked West Lyon. Pella Christian, Iowa City Regina and AHSTW completed the top five.

There was movement at the top of the state’s largest class. Iowa City West jumped up to the No. 1 spot after previously top-ranked West Des Moines Dowling was upset by Ankeny Centennial, 22-19, on Friday. Dowling fell into a tie with West Des Moines Valley at No. 2, while Ankeny Centennial jumped back into the rankings at No. 8.

Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (2A), West Sioux (A) and Don Bosco (8-man) sit at the top of their respective classes.

The 96 teams that will take part in the postseason will be revealed on Saturday. The first round of the state playoffs is slated for Friday, Oct. 27.